CANNABIS KID IS BACK AT SCHOOL

A Burton head teacher has defended a decision to allow a pupil found with
illegal drugs on the premises to return to school after only a two-day
suspension.

Parents have slammed Abbot Beyne High School, in Winshill, as
'disgraceful' for allowing the pupil, who was caught with cannabis, to
return to the school 'at all - let alone two days'.

The student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught with the
Class B drug on Friday and was sent home at lunchtime.

His parents and the police were contacte, and the pupil was referred for
drug counselling.

He was then allowed to return to school as normal on Wednesday.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said it was 'disgraceful' that the
pupil had been allowed to return to school after just two days.

The parent said: "I think it's disgusting the pupil has been allowed back
into school at all, let alone after two days.

"Taking drugs into school should be an automatic exclusion - it's out of
order.

"I think it's absolutely disgraceful the school has allowed him back.

"His actions give a really bad example to other students.

"I think the situation is appalling and he shouldn't be allowed to mix
with other children."

However, the school has defended the move, saying the pupil should be
'credited' for admitting possessing the drug and then handing it over.

Head teacher Christine Thompson said: "We are aware there is drug use all
over the country; Burton is not an exception.

"All secondary schools at times deal with youngsters bringing
inappropriate substances into school.

"The school discovered a very small quantity of cannabis which had been
brought onto the premises by one pupil. There was no attempt to pass this
on to anyone else.

"The pupil should be credited for admitting the possession and handing it
over. He was dealt with according to both the school and the local
authority's sanctions policy.

"As this was his first offence it was a fixed term exclusion. The school
also informed the police as required under procedures and referred the
pupil for drug counselling.

"I believe it is in line with how all schools deal with these matters.

"At Abbot Beyne, we are very clear about our duty of care to all pupils
and take such matters seriously."